Speed-responsive clutch



Dec. 1, 1959 w. s. G UBELMANN 2,915,159v

SPEED-RESPONSIVE CLUTCH Original Filed July 8, 1944 7 8 Sheets-Sheet lDec. 1, 1959 w. s. GUBELMANN 2,915,159

SPEED-RESPONSIVE CLUTCH Original Filed July 8, 1944 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 8Sheets-$heet 3 Original Filed July 8, 1944 Illllh.

Dec. 1, 1959 w. s. GUBELMANN 2,915,159

SPEED-RESPONSIVE cw'rca Original Filed July 8, 1944 8 Sheets-Sheet 4Dec. 1, 1959 w. s. GUBELMANN SPEED-RESPON$IVE CLUTCH 8 Sheets-Sheet 5Original Filed July 8, 1944 SPEED-RESPONSIVE CLUTCH Original Filed July8, 1944 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 1959 w. s. GUBELMANN 2,915,159

SPEED-RESPONSIVE CLUTCH Original Filed July 8, 1944 8 Sheets-Sheet 7Dec. 1, 1959 w. s. GUBELMANN 2,915,159

SPEED-RESPONSIVE CLUTCH Original Filed July 8, 1944 8 Sheets-Sheet 8United States Patent C) SPEED-RESPONSIVE CLUTCH William S. Gubelmann,Convent, N.J., assignor to Realty and Industrial Corporation, Convent,N.J., a corporation of New Jersey Original application .luly 8, 1944,Serial No. 544,030, now Patent No. 2,636,401, dated April 28, 1953. andthis application April 10, 1953, Serial No.

25 Claims. (Cl. 192-105) This invention relates to a speed-responsiveclutch, particularly a clutch adapted for use in automobiles, trucks,etc. although capable of use for other purposes, this application beinga division of applicants application S.N. 544,030, filed July 8, 1944and now Patent No. 2,636,401, issued April 28, 1953.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved automatic speedresponsive clutch having an input member connected for rotation by apower source (such as an internal combustion engine), an output member,and combinations of means therebetween providing gradual, smooth, andpositive drive coupling for rotating the output member when rotativespeed of the power source attains and exceeds a certain magnitude.

Another object is to provide a speed responsive clutch having acombination of means for gradually and increasingly multiplying thepower of centrifugal force for operating its coupling means topositively drivingly couple its input member, rotatable by a powersource, with its output member when the power source attainspredetermined speeds of rotation, and means adjustable so as to rotatethe output member forwardly relative to the input member whereupon, withthe clutch rendered ineflective by the preventing means, the startedpower source may be speeded up without causing the output member tobedriven thereby.

Another object is to provide a speed responsive clutch having a clutchmember connected to the clutch output member, coupling means rotatableby the clutch input member which is rotatable by a source of power; thecoupling means being adapted to move radially for coupling the clutchmember, and centrifugally influenced means rotatable by the power sourceand connected to for actuating the clutch coupling means to drivinglycouple the clutchmembers and thereby the connected output member. Thiscombination of elements, so disposed, provides improved graduallyapplied positive coupling in that the coupling means move substantiallyin the direction in which the force is exerted by the centrifugallyinfluenced means. The direction of the forces and of the movement forcoupling are relatively complementary, causing coupling with lessresistance than in other types of speed-responsive clutches wherein thecentrifugal forces are employed to move the coupling means substantiallyperpendicularly or longitudinally to the direction of those forces.

Another object is to provide a speed responsive clutch having acombination comprising a plurality of coupling shoes adapted forrotation by a power source and mounted for radial movement so as to bemovable in the direction of centrifugal forces, together withcentrifugally influenced means rotatable with the power source and to beeflfective for preventing coupling irrespective of rotative speeds,which is desirable for testing or for warming up the power source, andadjustable to be ineffective for permitting such coupling whensufliciently high rotative speeds are attained; the adjustablepreventing means being arranged to so coact with the coupling means thatwhen ro-tative speeds are above a certain rate, the adjustable meanswhile effective is not adjustable to be ineffective, or that whileineifective it is not adjustable to be effective, thereby providingagainst undesirable sudden and undue strains that would be created ifcoupling and uncoupling were accomplished at high rotative speeds.

Another object is to provide a speed responsive clutch having acombination comprising means effective for drivingly coupling its inputmember, rotatable by a power source, with its output member, meansadjustable for at times rendering the coupling means ineifective andthereby preventing coupling irrespective of the speeds of rotation, andmeans for connecting the output member with the input member by means ofa one-way coupling in such a way that whenever torque tends to rotatethe output member forwardly relative to the input member, the outputmember is coupled to for driving the input member but that when theinput member rotates forwardly relative to the output member theconnecting means is not effective for coupling the members. Whereby theengine is made always available as restraining means as for controllinga vehicle when in motion while the clutch means is effective, forcontrolling the vehicle when in motion while the clutch means is noteffective due to rotative speeds being below a certain magnitude, andproviding the power source as a braking means when the vehicle is parkedon a downgrade with torque being exerted on the output member while thepower source is not operating, and further providing the possibilityv ofrotating the power source to start it by moving the vehicle comprising aplurality of centrifugally affected masses, one for each shoe, and meansbetween the shoes and the masses for gradually and increasinglymultiplying the.

centrifugal forces acting on the masses as the power source isaccelerated, providing smooth and positive actuation of the shoes fordrivingly coupling the power source with the clutch output member.

Another object is to provide a clutch with centrifugally influencedmeans and a plurality of coupling shoes operated thereby for drivinglycoupling the clutch input member rotatable by a power source, with theclutch output member when the power source has attained a predeterminedspeed of rotation, together with universal means connected to forcausing the couplers to move in synchronism and with damping meansoperatively connected to the universal means for controlling the rate ofapplication of the couplers for coupling.

Another object is to provide a speed responsive clutch having a clutchmember secured to the output member, a plurality of couplers arranged torotate with the input member which is rotatable by a source of power,centrifugally influenced means rotatable by the input member and adaptedto cause the couplers to drivingly couple the clutch member when thepower source has attained a predetermined speed of rotation, andadjustable yielding means for connecting the centrifugally influencedmeans with each coupler for cushioning the coupling action of thecouplers and also providing means for independently adjusting eachcoupling member or shoe for regulating the moment of coupling of eachshoe.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent fromconsideration of the specification as illustrated by the accompanyingdrawings of an illustrative embodiment of the invention, in whichdrawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of the clutch, taken alongthe line 1--1 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 2 is a transverse cross-section of the speed-responsive clutchmechanism taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, looking rearwardly, theclutch being shown in the disengaged position; v

Fig. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional View of parts of 3 the clutchmechanism taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2, the clutch parts beingshown in the disengaged position;

Fig. 4 is a cross-section similar to Fig. 2 but showing the clutch inengaged position;

Fig. 5 is an expanded perspective view of a portion of the clutchmechanism, the clutch being in inefiective position;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing parts of the clutchengagement preventing mechanism;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the one-way drive connecting parts;

Fig. 8 is an elevation of some of the parts of the speedresponsiveclutch mechanism, looking forward, the clutch being in ineffectiveposition;

Fig. 9 is a cross-section taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is an elevation of some of the parts of the speed-responsiveclutch mechanism, the clutch being in ineffective position;

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is an elevation of some of the parts of the speed-responsiveclutch (looking forward) in inefiective position;

Fig. 13 is a cross-section taken along the line 1313 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is an elevation of some of the parts of the speed-responsiveclutch (looking forward), the parts being shown in ineffective position;

Fig. 15 is a crosssection taken along the line 15-15 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is .another elevation of some of the parts of thespeed-responsive clutch mechanism (looking forward) in inetfectiveposition;

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view 17-17 of Fig. 16.

Referring to the drawings (Fig. l), A refers generally to the powerinput means which may consist of the crank shaft A1 of an internalcombustion engine formed with a flange A2 to which is shown bolted aflywheel A3 which may have a starter ring gear A4. B indicates generallya clutch which is so constructed that it engages to connect the flywheelA3 to the clutch output member 12 to drive said member 12 whenever theflywheel (and engine) attain a predetermined speed of rotation, and alsowhenever external forces exert reverse torque on the output member 12and tend to rotate the member forwardly relative to the flywheel A3 andthe engine to drive the flywheel and engine, irrespective of therotative speeds of the flywheel and engine. No provision is disclosedfor manually engaging the clutch nor for manually disengaging theclutch. Means are provided, however, to prevent the engagement of theclutch, irrespective of rotative speeds.

The clutch output member 12, as illustrated, is the input member of atransmission and is secured to transmission gear 17. No manual controlis provided for altering this joined relation between the clutch andtransmission. Member 12 may be a sleeve rotatable on a shaft 29 of thetransmission. The sleeve may be journaled as through ball bearing 13 ina plate 14 bolted as at 15 to the housing 16 which housing serves toenclose the flywheel and the clutch, and which, as indicated, may alsohouse the transmission.

B-l designates the driven clutch the spider 200 (Figs. 1, 4, 8, 9) andthe conical ring 201 (Figs. 1, 4, 8, 9) secured together as by screws210a. The spider 200 is formed with a hub 202 splined to the outputsleeve 12. As shown, the inner surface of ring 201 and the ring portionof spider 200 are conically formed and receive therebetween one or moreclutchingshoes 223 to be described later.

Also splined to the sleeve 12 and located forwardly of the hub portion202 is the collar 203 (shown in perspective in Fig. 7). This collar isformed with a plurality taken along the line member comprising ofrecesses 204 having a spirally arranged bottom surface upon which restclutching shoes 205 which are spring-pressed by springs 206 in an uphilldirection with respect to said spiral surface. The outer diameter ofcollar 203 fits within a bore in the flywheel A3 (Fig. l) with theclutching shoes 205 bearing within said bore. It will be seen that thisforms a one-way connecting means of more or less usual construction. Itis to be noted, however, that this one-way clutch means is so arrangedthat it cannot transmit forward rotation from the engine to the sleeve12. It does, however, come into play when torque is applied to drive theoutput sleeve 12 forwardly of the engine while the main clutch isineffective for coupling the power source with the sleeve 12 as when theengine is operating below the aforementioned predetermined couplingspeeds, or as when the engine is not operating at all, or as when,irrespective of the speeds of the engine, the means for preventingengagement of the main clutch (to be described hereafter) is effective.Under such conditions, the sleeve 12 turns collar 203 which, throughclutch shoes 205, applies torque to the flywheel so as to rotate theengine forwardly either for starting the engine or for utilizing theengine as a restraining means at all times.

The numeral 207 (Figs. 1, 3, 6, 9) designates a ring journaled upon theexterior of hub 202. It carries a plurality of screw studs 208 whichpass through holes 209 in the sp der 200 and are attached at theirrearward end to a ring 210 which ring, together with the ring 207, areaxially slidable to a limited extent. 211 indicates springs normallyholding said rings 207 and 210 in the rearward position shown. However,they may be moved forwardly at will by rollers 215 (Fig. 1) bearing onring 210, said rollers being carried on arms 216 mounted for oscillationby the transverse shaft 217.

The numeral 212 (Figs. 1, 6) designates ball bearings between the ring207 and a ring 213 which is connected for rotation with the flywheel andcarries a plurality of pins 214 (Fig. 1) which, when in their forwardposition, serve to prevent engagement of the speed-responsive main driveclutch (see also Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 12).

220 (Figs. 16 and 17) designates screws fastened into the flywheel A3.Said screws serve to attach to the fly- Wheel for rotation therewith thespider 221 (see also Figs. 10 and 12). Said spider is formed with thethree arms 222. Supported by each of said arms is a conical clutchcoupler or shoe 223 provided with a radial arm 224 (see also Figs. 5, 8,9, 10 and 11). The inner end of said arm 224 is pivoted to the carrierlink 225 which is pivoted at 225a to the spider 221. The outer end ofarm 224 has pivoted thereto a carrier link 226 preferably parallel tolink 225 and pivoted loosely on shaft 226a. It is formed with anextension arm 227. Firmly attached to shaft 226a is the arm 228 whichhas attached thereto a bolt 229 passing through the end of arm 227 andprovided with adjusting nuts 230 between which and the arm 227 is thecoil compression spring 231. Said spring, of course, tends to bring thearms 227 and 228 together. This convergent movement is limited by meansof adjusting screw 232 held in adjusted position by lock nut 233.

It will be noted that the clutch shoes 223 are thus adjustably mountedfor radial movement so that when they move outwardly they will engagewith the conical recess formed in clutch member B-l (Fig. 1).Centrifugal means are provided to cause such engagement. Such means, inthe form shown, act through oscillating shaft 226a (clockwise, as viewedin Fig. 5 Such oscillation tends to move arm 228 therewith and throughbolt 229 and spring 231 causes more or less corresponding movement ofarm 227 which forces the clutch shoes 223 outwardly for engagement. Thespring 231 also assures that such action is properly cushioned. Nuts 230permit adiustment of the pressure with which the couplers are initiallyapplied and the set screw 232 provides for 3 adjustment of theirpositions relative to the cooperating member B-1, as may be desired, forregulating the moment of coupling of each coupler (see also Fig. 8),that is, the instant each coupler eifectively clutches the clutchmember. In other words, each coupler can be adjusted to drivingly couplethe clutchmember B-1- at a predetermined extent of movement of therespective arms 227228 in response to actuation by centrifugallyinfluenced means which will now be described.

' Referring now to Figs. 2, 4, 5, 12, 14 and 15, 240 designates aweight, three of which are shown. These are so mounted that they maymove outwardly under the action of centrifugal force and, in so doing,rotate shaft 226a to move the clutch shoes outwardly. Each of theweights 240 is carried by L-shaped arm- 241 pivoted at 242 to a link 243whichis secured to shaft 226a. The end of arm 241 is pivoted at 244 to alink 245 pivoted at 246 to the spider-221. Thus, arm 241 and link 245form a toggle joint also known as a toggle through which gradual andincreasing force multiplication is secured. Each link 245 is providedwith an extension nose 247. These noses lie adjacent the locking pins orbolts 214 (Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 12). When the weights 240 are in theirnormal inward position (Figs. 2 and 12), the noses 247 are suflicientlyfar from the crank shaft axis so that locking bolts 214 may be movedthereunder (by moving shaft 217 and parts connected thereto). If this isdone, the weights are prevented from flying out and the couplers fromengaging, irrespective of the speed at which the flywheel is rotated.

It will be noted that if the engine is speeded up while the pins 214 arein effective position where they are engaged by the noses 247 on link 215, the effect of centrifugal force acting on weights 240 is such thatthe pins 214 cannot be withdrawn due to the grip of the noses 247thereon until rotative speeds are first reduced below a certain rate.This coaction between pins 214 and extension 24'7 prevents undesirabledamaging stresses and strains in the clutch and parts driven therebywhich would occur if coupling were permitted while the engine wasaccelerated to speeds above normal coupling speeds.

It will also be noted that if the engine is speeded up sufficiently tocause coupling while the pins 214 are in their rearward ineffectiveposition, extensions 247 will serve to prevent adjustment of pins 214forwardly to elfective position until rotative speeds are first reducedbelow a certain rate. As can best be seen in Fig. 4, the extensions 247,at such times, align with pins 214 so as to form an abutment to preventforward movement of the pins to eifective coupling preventing position.

250 designates a synchronizing spider (Figs. 2, 4, l4 and 16) which isformed with extension arms 251, each having a notch 2'52 (Figs. 5, 14)therein receiving the pivot pin 244, previously referred to, whichserves as a central pivot for the toggle consisting of links 245 and241.

It will be seen that if the weights 240 are caused to move outwardly bycentrifugal forces, the synchronizing spider 250 will move clockwise(Figs. 14 and 16) or counter-clockwise (as viewed in Figs. 2, 4 and 5).

The spider 250 not only performs the function of causing the threeweights to move in synchronism but it also serves as a universal memberto which damping mechanism may be applied. For this purpose, a link 255(Figs. 2, 3, 4, 15, 16) is pivoted to the synchroniz ing spider 259 at256. its other end is pivoted to a crank arm "257 pivoted on theflywheel at 258 (Figs. 2, 4, l6). Attached to arm 257 is the arm 259which is pivoted to the piston rod 260 of a dashpot 261. This dashpotserves to prevent sudden engagement of the clutch shoes so that a smootheasy clutch engagement is secured.

Suitable spring means are provided to prevent weights 240 from actuatingclutch shoes 223 outwardly for engagement until desired revolutions ofthe flywheel are attained. Such spring means will also serve to returnthe weights 240 toward the center whenthe flywheel speed drops to acertain point. This may be done by means of a spring within the dashpotor a spring attached to arm 259- or, as shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5, 14,17 by means of a plurality of springs 265 attached to bolts 265a passingthrough lugs 266 on the flywheel and held in adjustable position bymeans of adjusting nuts 267. Adjustment of nuts 267 serves to eitherincrease or decrease the tension on springs 265 for regulating therestraint thereof on the weights 240 and the couplers 223 connectedtherewith against the influence of. centrifugal forces until theflywheel is rotating at a desired coupling speed, thereby coupling ordrag-coupling is prevented at all speeds below such coupling speed.

It will be seen that by the means shown and described, aspeed-responsive main drive clutch is provided which operates in such amanner that when the engine speed is below a predetermined rate therewill be no driving connection from the engine to the member to be driventhereby (sleeve 12 in the present instance) but that torque in theforward direction may be transmitted from sleeve 12 to the flywheel.Furthermore, when the flywheel is speeded up to a certain rate, theclutch couplers will be gradually and smoothly engaged with theircooperating recess so that clutch member B-1 and output sleeve 12 willbe gradually and smoothly brought to rotation at flywheel speed.Furthermore, if desired, such engagement of the clutch may be preventedby manually or otherwise controllable means such as shaft 217. Thisinsures a definite disablement which is useful in engine testing or atany time when it is desired to speed up the engine without having drivecoupling or even drag coupling in the clutch.

It will be further noted that the disclosed combinations of clutchmechanisms, when embodied in a vehicle, will serve to utilize the engineas a restraining means for controlling the vehicle while the vehicle isin motion and is exerting torque on clutch output member 12. Under suchconditions the torque will be applied through clutch member B-1 andcouplers 223 to theengine if the main clutch is engaged; however, if notengaged, the torque is applied to the engine through the output memberand the clutch input member A3 by means of theone-way drive coupling. Inthe same manner, the one-way coupling serves to utilize the engine whileit is not operating for holding the vehicle stationary as when it isparked on a down-hill slope. It will also be noted that the one-wayconnection will also serve for rotating the engine to start the engineby creating forward torque on output member 12, and that with the clutchpreventing means adjusted to effective position, the started engine maybe speeded up without driving the output member 12.

It will be noted that the construction shown and described will serveadmirably to accomplish the objects stated above. It is to beunderstood, however, that the constructions disclosed above are intendedmerely as illustrative of the invention and not as limiting, as variousmodifications therein may be made without departing from the inventionas defined by proper interpretation of the claims which follow.

I claim:

1. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means for attimes coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to couple with said clutch member, said couplerbeing pivotally mounted on a carrier having pivotal connection to asupport member rotatable with said power source, means for rocking saidcarrier about said pivotal connection to cause said coupler to moverelative to said clutch member, said means comprising a shaft coaxialwith said pivotal connection, an arm secured to said shaft, an armattached to said carrier and a connection between said arms havingresilient means tending to converge said arms for relative movement inone direction and serving to cushion the coupling action, and anadjustable abutment for controlling the extent of convergence of saidarms for regulating the moment of coupling; and centrifugally-operatedmeans so arranged as to rotate with said power source comprisingcentrifugally influenced means and a toggle connected to said shaft andadapted for actuation by said influenced means so as to gradually andincreasingly multiply the force exerted by said influenced meatns foroperating said means for rocking to drivingly couple said coupler withsaid clutch member when said power source has attained a predeterminedspeed of rotation.

2. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means for attimes coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to couple with said clutch member, said couplerbeing pivotally mounted on a carrier having pivotal connection to asupport member rotatable with said power source, means for rocking saidcarrier about said pivotal connection to cause said coupler to moverelative to said clutch member, said means comprising a shaft coaxialwith said pivotal connection, an arm secured to said shaft, an armattached to said carrier and a connection between said arms for relativemovement of said arms and adapted for controlling the coupling action;and centrifugally operated means so arranged as to rotate with saidpower source comprising centrifugally influenced means and a toggleconnected to said shaft and adapted for actuation by said influencedmeans so as to gradually and increasingly multiply the force exerted bysaid influenced means for operating said rocking means to drivinglycouple said coupler with said clutch member when said power source hasattained a predetermined speed of rotation.

3. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means for attimes coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to couple with said clutch member, said couplerbeing pivotally mounted on a carrier having pivotal connection to asupport member rotatable with said power source, means for rocking saidcarrier about said pivotal connection to cause said coupler to moverelative to said clutch member, said means comprising a shaft coaxialwith said pivotal connection, an arm secured to said shaft, an armattached to said carrier and a connection between said arms for relativemovement of said arms and adapted for controlling the coupling action;and centrifugally operated means so arranged as to rotate with saidpower source comprising centrifugally infiuenced means and meansconnected to said shaft and adapted for actuation by said influencedmeans so as to gradually and increasingly multiply the force exerted bysaid influenced means for operating said rocking means to drivinglycouple said coupler with said clutch member when said power source hasattained a predetermined speed of rotation.

4. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means for attimes coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to couple with said clutch member, said couplerbeing pivotally mounted on a carrier having pivotal connection to asupport member rotatable with said power source, means for rocking saidcarrier about said pivotal connection to cause said coupler to moverelative to said clutch member, said means comprising a shaft coaxialwith said pivotal connection, an arm secured to said shaft, an armattached to said carrier and a connection between said arms havingresilient means tending to converge said arms for relative movement inone direction and serving to cushion the coupling action, and anadjustable abutment for controlling the extent of convergence of saidarms for regulating the moment of coupling; and centrifugally operatedmeans connected to said shaft and so arranged as to rotate with saidpower source for operating said rocking means to drivingly couple saidcoupler with said clutch member when said power source has attained apredetermined speed of rotation.

5. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means for attimes coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to couple with said clutch member, said couplerbeing pivotally mounted on a carrier having pivotal connectionto asupport member rotatable with said power source, means for rocking saidcarrier about said pivotal connection to cause said coupler to moverelative to said clutch member, said means comprising a shaft coaxialwith said pivotal connection, an arm secured to said shaft, an armattached to said carrier and a connection between said arms havingresilient means tending to converge said arms for relative movement inone direction and serving to cushion the coupling action, and anabutment serving to limit such convergence; and centrifugally operatedmeans connected to said shaft and so arranged as to rotate with saidpower source for operating said rocking means to drivingly couple saidcoupler with said clutch member when said power source has attained apredetermined speed of rotation.

6. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means for attimes coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to couple with said clutch member, said couplerbeing pivotally mounted on a carrier having pivotal connection to asupport member rotatable with said power source, means for rocking saidcarrier about said pivotal connection to cause said coupler to moverelative to said clutch member, said means comprising a shaft coaxialwith said pivotal connection, an arm secured to said shaft, an armattached to said shaft, an arm attached to said carrier and a connectionbetween said arms adapted for controlling relative movement of said armsand for controlling the coupling action; and centrifugally operatedmeans connected to said shaft and so arranged as to rotate with saidpower source for operating said rocking means to drivingly couple saidcoupler with said clutch member when said power source has attained apredetermined speed of rotation.

7. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means for attimes coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, a pluralityof drive couplers adapted to rotate with said power source and to couplewith said clutch member, centrifugallyoperated means so arranged as torotate with said power source and to gradually and increasingly multiplythe effectivity of the centrifugal forces for operating said coupler todrivingly couple with said clutch member when said power source hasattained a predetermined speed of rotation, a damping means connected tosaid centrifugally-operated means for synchronously damping the rate ofapplication of said couplers, and an adjustable means between each ofsaid couplers and said centrifugallyoperated means for varying themoment of coupling of each coupler with said clutch member.

8. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means for attimes coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to rotate with said power source and to operateradially for coupling with said clutch member, preventing meansadjustable at times to be effective or ineffective for preventingcoupling, centrifugally-operated means so arranged as to rotate withsaid power source and comprising centrifugally influenced means and atoggle connected to said coupler and adapted for actuation by saidinfluenced means so as to gradually and increasingly multiply the forceexerted by said influenced means for operating said coupler to drivinglycouple with said clutch member when said power source has attained apredetermined speed of rotation, said toggle comprising means adapted toso coact with said preventing means that when said preventing means isadjusted so as to be effective, operation of said centrifugally-operatedmeans and therefore coupling of said coupler with said clutch member isprevented irrespective of rotative speeds, and that when rotative speedsare above a certain rate, said preventing means, if effective, is notadjustable to ineffective position, or if said preventing means isineffective, it is not adjustable to effective position until rotativespeeds have first been reduced below a certain magnitude.

9. In a speed-responsive clutch having an outputv member and means forat times coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to rotate with said power source and to operateradially for coupling with said clutch member, preventing -meansadjustable at times to be effective or ineffective for preventingcoupling, centrifugally-operated means so arranged as to rotate .withsaid power source for operating said coupler to drivingly couple withsaid clutch member when said power source has attained apredetermined'speed of rotation, said last mentioned means comprisingmeans adapted to so coact with said preventing means that when saidpreventing means is adjusted so asto be effective, operation of saidcentrifugally-operated means and therefore coupling of said coupler withsaid clutch member is prevented irrespective of rotative speeds, andthat when rotative speeds are above a certain rate, said preventingmeans, if efiective, is not adjustable to ineffective position, or ifsaid preventing means is ineiiective, it is not adjustable to effectiveposition until rotative speeds have first been reduced below a certainmagnitude.

10. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means forat times coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to rotate with said power source and to operateradially for' coupling with said clutch member, means effective at timesfor preventing the coupling of said coupler and said clutch memberirrespective of the rotative speeds of said power source, andcentrifugally-operated means so arranged as to rotate with said powersource, comprising centrifugally infiuenced means and a toggle connectedto said coupler and adapted for actuation by said influenced means so asto gradually and increasingly multiply the force exerted bysaidinfiuenced means for operating said coupler to' drivingly couplewith said clutch member when said power source has. attained apredetermined speed of rotation, said last-mentioned means being alsoadapted to so coact with-said preventing means that when said preventingmeans is effective, operation of said centrifugally-operated means andtherefore the coupling of said coupler and said clutch member isprevented.

- 11. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means forat times coupling a power source withsaid output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to rotate with said power source and to operateradially for coupling with said clutch member, means effective at timesfor preventing the coupling of said coupler and. said clutch memberirrespective of the rotative speeds of said power source, andcentrifugally-operated means so arranged as to rotate with said powersource for operating said coupler to drivingly couple with said clutchmember when said power source has attained a predetermined speed ofrotation, said lastmentioned means being adapted to so coact with saidpreventing meansthat when said preventing means is 10 effectiveoperation of said centrifugally-operated means and therefore thecoupling of said coupler with said clutch member is prevented.

12. In a speed-responsive clutch having anoutput member and means for attimes coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to rotate with said power source and to operateradially for coupling with said clutch member, means effective at timesfor preventing the coupling of said coupler and said clutch memberirrespective of the rotative speeds of said power source, and centrifugally-operated means so arrangedas to rotate with said power sourcefor operating said coupler to drivingly couple with said clutch memberwhen said power source has attained a predetermined speed of rotation,said lastmentioned means being adapted to so coact with said preventingmeans that when said preventing means is effective operation of saidcentrifugally-operated means and therefore the coupling of said couplerwith said clutch member is prevented, and a one-way connecting means soarranged as to be efiective for coupling said output member to saidpower source when torque acting through said output member tends torotate said output member forwardly relative to said power source attimes when said coupler and said clutch member are not drivingly coupledas when said power source is operating below said predetermined speed oris not operating at all, or as when, irrespective of the speeds of saidpower source, said means for preventing coupling is effective, saidconnecting means being also arranged as to be ineffective for couplingsaid output member to said power source whenever said power source tendsto rotate forwardly relative to said output member, whereby, eitherthrough the coupled coupler and said clutch member or, when suchcoupling is not through said one-way connecting means, said power sourceis utilized at all times as a restraining means whenever the outputmember attempts to rotate forwardly relative to the power source.

, 13. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output mem ber and meansfor at times coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to rotate with said power source and to couplewithsaid clutch member, said coupler being carried 'for generallyrectilinear movement by two substantially parallel'members one end ofeach of which is pivoted to said coupler at spaced points and theotherends of each of which are pivoted to a support member rotatable withsaid power. source, and centrifugally-operated means so arranged as torotate with said power source comprising centrifugally influenced meansand a toggle connected to one of said parallel members and adapted foractuation by said influencedmeans so as to gradually and increasinglymultiply the force exerted by said influenced means for operating saidconnected parallel member about its second-mentioned; pivot to causegenerally rectilinearmovement of said coupler relative to said'clutchmember for drivingly coupling said clutch member when said power sourcehas attained a predetermined speed of rotation.

14. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means forat times coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to rotate with said power source and to couplewith said clutch member, said coupler being carried for generallyrectilinear movement by two" substantially parallel members one end ofeach of which is pivoted'to said coupler at spaced points and the otherends of each of which are pivoted to a support member rotatable withsaid power source, and centrifugally-operated means so arranged as torotate, with said power source comprising centrifugally. influencedmeans and means connected to one of said parallel members and adaptedfor actuation by said influenced means so as to gradually andincreasingly multiply the force exerted by said influenced means foroperating said connected parallel member about its second-mentionedpivot to cause generally rectilinear movement of said coupler to saidclutch member for drivingly coupling said clutch member when said powersource has attained a predetermined speedof rotation.

15. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means forat times coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to rotate with said power source and to couplewith said clutch member, said coupler being carried for generallyrectilinear movement by two substantially parallel members one end ofeach of which is pivoted to said coupler at' spaced points and the otherends of each of which are pivoted to a support member rotatable withsaid power source, and centrifugally-operated means so arranged as torotate with said power source for actuating one of said parallel membersabout its second-mentioned pivot to cause generally rectilinear movementof said coupler relative to said clutch mem ber for drivingly couplingsaid clutch member when said power source has attained a predeterminedspeed of rotation.

16. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means forat times coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler adapted to rotate with said power source and to couplewith said clutch member, centrifugallyoperated means so arranged as torotate with said power source for operating said coupler to drivinglycouple with said clutch member when said power source has attained apredetermined coupling speed of rotation, saidlast mentioned meanscomprising a centrifugally influenced means, an operating memberconnectedthereto, an operated member connected to said coupler andconnections between said members including resilient means forconvergingly holding said operated member with said operating member sothat said operated member is moved by said operating member for thedrive coupling actuation of said coupler, said resilient means alsoserving to cushion the coupling action, and including an adjustableabutment for controlling the extent of convergence of said membersthereby to regulate the coupler to couple with the clutch member at apredetermined extent of operation of said centrifugally-operated means;and an adjustable means connected to said centrifugally influenced meansfor restraining said centrifugally-operated means against the influenceof centrifugal forces until the power source is rotating at a desiredcoupling speed and for holding said centrifugally-operated means in anormal position when the power source is rotating below certain speedsor is not rotating.

17. In a speed-responsive clutch having an output member and means forat times coupling a power source with said output member, said meanscomprising a clutch member connected to said output member, a pluralityof drive couplers adapted to rotate with said power source and to couplewith said clutch member, centrifugallyoperated means so arranged astorotate with said power source for operating said couplers, a pluralityof connections between said centrifugally influenced means and each ofsaid couplers, each connection comprising adjustable rexilient meansserving to regulate the pressure with which the couplers are applied andto cushion the coupling action of each coupler, and an adjustableabutment for controlling the position of the respective coupler relativeto said clutch member thereby to regulate that coupler to couple withsaid clutch member at a predetermined extent of operation of saidcentrifugallyoperated means; and an adjustable restraining meansconnected to said connections so as" to control theconnections forsynchronous movement of said couplers, said restraining means beingadjustable 'so as to prevent any coupling until the power source isrotating at a desired speed.

18. In a speed responsive clutch having a rotary power source, an outputmember, a clutch member connected to said output member, at least onedrive coupler means adapted to rotate with said power source and to moveto couple with said clutch member for rotating the same,centrifugally-operated coupler moving means rotated by said power sourcefor moving said coupler to drivingly couple with said clutch member whensaid power source has attained a predetermined speed of rotation, saidcentrifugally-operated means comprising at least one centrifugallymovable mass, an operating element connected to said mass for actuationupon movement thereof, an operated element connected to said coupler formoving the same, yieldable resilient clamping means connected to one ofsaid elements and engaging the other of said elements for yieldablyurging said operated clement toward said operating element, whereby saidoperated element is resiliently biased to move with said operatingelement for drivingly coupling said coupler with said clutch member uponseparation of said element, abutment means carried on one of saidelements for engagement with the other of said elements, and adjustmentmeans on said abutment means for predetermining the minimum intervalbetween said elements, thereby to regulate the moment of coupling.

19. In a speed-responsive clutch having a rotary power source, an outputmember; a clutch member connected to said output member; at least onedrive coupler means adapted to rotate with said power source and to moveto couple with said clutch member for rotating the same; andcentrifugally operated coupler moving means rotated by said power sourcefor moving said coupler to drivingly couple with said clutch member whensaid power source has attained a predetermined speed of rotation, saidcentrifugally operated means comprising at least one centrifugallymovable mass, an operating element connected to said mass for actuationupon movement thereof, an operated element connected to said coupler formoving the same, adjustable yieldable clamping means connected to one ofsaid elements for enslavingly engaging the other of said elements foryieldably urging said operated element toward said operating element,whereby said operated element is resiliently biased to move in the samedirection as said operating element for drive encouplement of saidcoupler with said clutch member, said clamping means yieldinglyaccommodating subsequent to initial contact of said coupler with saidclutch member for cushioning the coupling action, abutment means carriedby one of said elements and engaging the other of said elements forlimiting the minimum interval between said elements when they are atrest, and adjustment means on said yieldable clamping means forpredetermining the yieldability thereof upon application of engagementforces, thereby to control the degree of cushioning of the drivecoupling action.

20. In a speed-responsive clutch having a rotary power source, arotatable clutch member, a plurality of drive couplers connected torotate with said power source and to move to couple with said clutchmember for rotating the same, centrifugally-operated coupler movingmeans connected to rotate with said power source and comprisingcentrifugally influenced force exerting means and a plurality oftoggles, each of said toggles being individual to a coupler andconnected thereto, said toggles being connected for actuation to saidinfluenced means and to gradually and increasingly multiply the forceexerted by said influenced means for moving said couplers to drivinglycouple with said clutch member when said power source has attained apredetermined speed of rotation, a synchronizing universal memberinterconnecting. said toggles and turnably movable relative to saidpower r .13 source, onimovement of any toggle for synchronizingmovement. of all toggles and through them ofsaid couplers, and at leastone damping means carried. by said power source for rotation therewithand connected to said universal member for at all times damping movementthereof, and therethrough controlling the rate of movement of saidcouplers continuously from rest position through completion of driveengagement.

21. In a speed responsive clutch having a rotary power erted by saidinfluenced means for moving said couplers to drivingly couple'with saidclutch member when said power source has attained a predetermined speedof rotation, a synchronizing universal member interconnecting each ofsaid coupler connecting means and turnably movable relative to saidpower source on movement of any connecting means for synchronizingmovement of all connecting means and through them of said couplers, andat least one damping means carried by said power source for rotationtherewith and linked to said universal member for damping movementthereof and therethrough controlling the rate of movement of saidcouplers continuously from rest position through completion of driveengagement.

22. In a speed-responsive clutch having a rotatable power source, arotatable clutch member, a plurality of drive couplers connected torotate with said power source and to move to couple with said clutchmember for rotating the same, centrifugally operated coupler movingmeans carried for rotation by said power source and comprisingcentrifugally influenced force exerting means and a plurality oflinkages, each of which linkages is individual to a coupler and isconnected thereto, said linkages being connected for actuation to saidforce exerting means for operating said couplers to drivingly couplewith said clutch member when said power source has attained apredetermined speed, a synchronizing universal member interconnectingsaid linkages and turnably movable relative to said power source onmovement of any of said linkages for synchronizing movement of all saidlinkages and through them of said couplers, and at least one dampingmeans carried by said power source for rotation therewith and connectedto .said universal member for damping movement thereof and therethroughcontrolling the rate of movement of said couplers continuously from restposition through completion of drive coupling.

23. In a speed-responsive clutch having a rotary power source, arotatable clutch member, a plurality of drive couplers connected torotate with said power source and to move to couple with said clutchmember for rotating the same, centrifugally-operated force exertingmeans carried for rotation by said power source and movable for movingsaid couplers to drivingly'couple with said clutch member when saidpower source has attained a predetermined speed of rotation,synchronizing universal means interconnecting said couplers and turnablymovable relative said power source on movement of, any coupler forsynchronizing movement of all couplers, and at least one damping meanscarried by said power source for rotation therewith and connected tosaid synchronizing means for controlling the movementthereof andtherethrough controlling the rate of movement of said couplerscontinuously from rest position through completion of drive engagement.

24. In a speed-responsive and torqu'e responsive automatic clutch forcouplingv a,power source to a transm1ssion whenever said power sourceattains a predetermined speedof rotation and forcoupling;said'transmission to said p'owcr source Whenever said transmission tendsto rotate. forwardly relative. to said power, source, a clutch member,an. .output member permanently interconnecting said clutch member andsaid transmission for rotary movement together for transmitting'rotativeforces to and from said transmission whenever such forces occur, atleast one drive coupler connected to rotate with said power source andtomove into coupled engagement with said clutch member for rotating thesame, centrifugallyoperated coupler moving means carried for rotation bysaid power source and comprising centrifugally influenced force exertingmeans movable by centrifugal force from a normal inner position to anouter position, and toggle means connected to said coupler and to saidforce exerting means to gradually and increasingly multiply the forceexerted by said force exerting means for moving said coupler todrivingly couple with said clutch member, locking means carried by saidpower source and movable from an ineffective position to an effectiveposition for engaging said coupler inoving means for locking its saidinfluenced means in said inner position irrespective of rotative speedsof said power source so as to block coupling of said coupler with saidclutch membenand one-way clutch means carried by said output member forrotation at all times therewith and for engaging said output member withsaid power source therethrough whenever rotative forces from saidtransmission turn said output member forwardly of said power sourcewhereupon the opposing influence of the lagging power source iseffective to restrain such rotation of said output member.

25. In a speed-responsive and torque responsive auto matic clutch forcoupling a power source to a trans mission whenever said power. sourceattains a predetermined speed of rotation and for coupling said transmission to said power source whenever said transmis sion tends to rotateforwardly relative to said power source, a clutch member, an outputmember permanently interconnecting said clutch member and saidtransmission for rotary movement together for transmitting rotativeforces to and from said transmission wheneversuch forces occur, at leastone drive coupler connected to rotate with said power source and to moveinto coupled engagement with said clutch member for rotating the same,centrifugally-operated coupler moving means car ried for rotation bysaid power source and including centrifugally influenced force exertingmeans movable by centrifugal force from a normal inner position to anouter position, said coupler moving means being connected to saidcoupler for moving the same to drivingly couple with said clutch memberwhen said power source attains a predetermined speed of rotation,locking means carried by said power source and movable from anineffective position to an effective position for engaging said couplermoving means for locking its said influenced means in said innerposition irrespective of rotative speeds of said power source so as toblock coupling of said coupler with said clutch member, and one-wayclutch means carried by said output member for rotation at all timestherewith and for engaging said output member with said power sourcetherethrough whenever rotative forces from said transmission turn saidoutput member forwardly of said power source whereupon the opposinginfluence of the lagging power source is effective to restrain suchforward rotation of said output member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,136,966 Langdon Apr. 27, 1915 (Other references on following page) ,15UNITED STATES PATENTS Pepin June 1, 1926 Pepin Nov. 15, 1927 Wood June20, 1933 Rickwood June 18, 1935 Roesch Apr. 21, 1936 Banker "June 2,1936 .16 Banker Jan. 4, 19 38 Banker Aug. 8, 1939 Russell Jan. 15, 1946FOREIGN PATENTS I I France Sept.,4, 1933

